Politeness to Resume in 2015 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes

January 14th, 2015

Trainer Robert Smerdon has been thrilled with the form and class displayed by talented filly Politeness since her return to work this year and has outlined the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield Racecourse on February 14th as an ideal autumn launch pad.

Politeness will return to racing in the 2015 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes on February 14th. Photo: Sarah Ebbett

Steadily building to the task over five starts through the 2014 Spring Carnival, Politeness ran fourth in each of the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) and Group 2 Blazer Stakes (1400m) first-up before placing fifth in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m), a credible seventh in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) and ended her campaign with a comfortable two length victory in the Group 3 Summond Stakes (1500m) on November 15th.

Running a close second in a strong Sandown barrier trial on Tuesday, Smerdon told Racing Victoria the Street Sense mare’s major target will be the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1600m) at Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens on March 14th.

“Politeness jumped on the speed and we were going to sit her off the pace but she landed there and Casey Bruce (jockey) sat on her all the way,” Smerdon said.

“She had a nice hit-out without doing too much and she’ll resume on February 14 in the Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes against the mares.

“They don’t have much of a break after the spring so she’s maintained a lot of her residual fitness and is in great condition.

“I’m really happy with her and her main aim is the Coolmore Stakes in Sydney.”

A proven performer over the Autumn Racing Carnival, Politeness ran sixth in the Listed MSS SecurityStakes (1100m) at Flemington first-up in 2014 before placing second in a minor over 1300m and ending her short campaign with success over a classy field including subsequent Group 1 champion Cosmic Endeavour in the Group 3 PJ Bell Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 12th.

Nominations for the 2015 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes will close on Monday February 9th, which a final field and barrier draw will be completed and released on midday, Wednesday the 11th.

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